National Arts Centre Orchestra Musicians Vote Unanimously for Strike Mandate
The unionized musicians of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa have voted unanimously to authorize a strike, mainly over pay issues. According to Robin Moir, who serves as the secretary-treasurer of Local 180 of the Musicians' Association of Ottawa-Gatineau, the orchestra feels it has fallen behind other Canadian orchestras since the COVID-19 pandemic. Moir noted their dissatisfaction with this situation. While scheduling matters are less pressing, financial concerns are at the forefront. Negotiations with NAC management are planned for October 15. Moir remains hopeful for a resolution but stressed the musicians' serious position. The orchestra's first concert with new music director John Storgards is scheduled for November 4-5, featuring works by Beethoven and Dvorak.
Key facts
- Unionized members of the National Arts Centre Orchestra voted unanimously in favour of a strike mandate.
- The primary issue in negotiations is wages, according to Robin Moir, secretary-treasurer of Local 180.
- The Musicians' Association of Ottawa-Gatineau is an affiliate of the Canadian Federation of Musicians.
- A day of negotiations with NAC management is scheduled for Oct. 15.
- Moir said a previous report that work stress was an issue is not accurate and it has not come up in bargaining.
- John Storgards' first concert as music director will take place Nov. 4-5 with Beethoven and Dvorak on the program.
- Storgards, a Finnish conductor, succeeds Alexander Shelley as maestro starting with the 2026-27 season.
- Storgards has been the orchestra's principal guest conductor for years.
Entities
Artists
- Robin Moir
- John Storgards
- Alexander Shelley
- Beethoven
- Dvorak
- Curtis Perry
Institutions
- National Arts Centre Orchestra
- Musicians' Association of Ottawa-Gatineau
- Canadian Federation of Musicians
- Local 180
- National Arts Centre
- Ottawa Citizen
- Postmedia Network Inc.
Locations
- Ottawa
- Canada
- Gatineau
- Finland